IT proved to be a League One side too far for 10-man Accrington Stanley.

The Reds had the measure of Carlisle United and then Blackpool in the previous two rounds.

But it was third time unlucky for John Coleman's side, who had to do without Shaun Whalley for the final 40 minutes following his late, high challenge on Theo Streete.

Hopes were high that an extended run in this competition would be the catalyst for a much-needed change around in fortunes on the back of five straight league defeats.

Prior to kick-off, there was the possibility that they were just three games away from being involved in the first match to be played at the new Wembley.

But those dreams were dashed on just 13 minutes.

Unlucky for some.

Goalkeeper Rob Elliot had initially done well to make a block at Paul Heffernan's feet six yards out and Danny Ventre mopped things up when the ball squirmed loose.

But the Doncaster striker got the better of the Stanley duo four minutes later.

Jonathan Forte, as well as being Rovers' top scorer, is renowned for his ability to create chances for others, and when he tucked the ball inside following a burst down the left, Heffernan trapped it before his shot on the turn was deflected in-off Ventre's toe at the near post.

Forte soon went close to getting on the scoresheet himself as he got the slightest of touches to Sean Thornton's deep right-wing cross, but Elliot had it covered.

Not so, though, when a chance opened up for Thornton just before the half-hour. Mark McCammon's delivery from the left was mis-cued by Heffernan inside the area, but the ball ran free for Thornton, who drove it underneath Elliot's dive from the edge of the box to put the League One side 2-0 up.

At that point, Stanley's activity in attack had been fleeting. Andy Mangan had twice been caught out by the home side's offside trap, either side of dragging a low shot wide. Phil Edwards then rose brilliantly to meet the striker's corner but had his header cleared off the line by Gareth Roberts.

James Coppinger went close to increasing Doncaster's cushion on the stroke of half-time when he spotted Elliot off his line, but his chip hit the post and Welch cleared the rebound.

Stanley started the second half in a much more vibrant fashion.

Robbie Williams had been pushed up from defence to midfield, from the off, to help the Reds meet with competition stipulations that at least six of a team's most featured players must start. And he was unlucky not to hit the target with a couple of close-range headers.

Stanley's impetus threatened to be cut short when Whalley was sent off, somewhat harshly, for his challenge on right back Theo Streete. There is no doubt he went in with a high foot, but whether the offence warranted a red card is a matter for great debate.

Doncaster sought to take immediate advantage of their extra man, and within a minute Elliot made a superb save from Coppinger's rocket. Elliot's decision making wasn't quite on the money three minutes later as he strayed to the edge of the box to try to thwart Heffernan's one-on-one.

The striker got round the on-loan Charlton stopper and would have made it 3-0 had it not been for Phil Edwards, who sprinted back to make a crucial interception.

Coleman replaced Paul Mullin with Leighton McGivern to provide an extra set of quick legs in attack, and the move paid off as the Reds carved out a host of chances.

After Michael Welch blocked Coppinger's left foot shot from the edge of the box, the defender charged up to the opposite end to test Ben Smith with a 30-yard free kick that the Doncaster stopper tipped round the post.

Stanley mounted the pressure with a succession of set pieces, from which Mangan had two shots deflected and Welch shaved the post from an impressive overhead kick from just outside the area.

But for all their possession and chances in that period, they never looked like getting back into the game.

Stanley, meanwhile, will have to be on top of their game, on top of their spirit to retrieve the winning formula that has deserted them.